After receiving 318 consumer complaints, Zoeller filed the lawsuit in Tippecanoe County on Thursday, Jan. 30.

The Attorney General’s office said consumers who are part of the lawsuit reported individual losses ranging from $10 up to $200. That amount came to a total of $15,748 and Zoeller said thousands more consumers are likely impacted.

According to the lawsuit, consumers were asked to pay ahead during during November and December of 2013 for trash and recycling collection for, at minimum, the next three months. Despite collecting payments from customers, the company failed to pick up the trash beginning in late December and then closed its doors in January.

In a press release to News 18 Zoeller said, “Many consumers were negatively impacted by this business’ decision to close its doors without notice and not provide refunds. Today’s lawsuit is an example of how my office works every day to protect consumers from deceptive business practices and hold violators accountable.”

As News 18 reported on Jan. 9, TWR closed its doors and posted a notice on its website. At that time, President and CEO Kurt Kanable e-mailed News 18 confirming that all remaining accounts were being transferred to Waste Management. He also stated in that e-mail that all payments already made will be honored by Waste Management.

Our sister station WLFI spoke with Waste Management Jan. 10, Vice President of Public Affairs Tom Horton said the statement on TWR’s website was incorrect and the company had not entered into a contract with them. Horton also said Waste Mangement was only made aware of the claim by news media and calls from customers.

Zoeller said the TWR is accused of violating the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and the state seeks a permanent injunction, consumer restitution, civil penalties and investigative costs.

If you made payments to TWR, but did not receive services you can still file complaints with the Attorney General’s Office by calling 800-382-5516.

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